Latest fromManawatu-Whanganui

Manaaki campaign aims to support region in challenging times
The "Are you all goods?" campaign is running over 10 weeks.

Massive effort given to clear downed trees and to restore power to homes
Most of the power should be restored to the remaining homes today.

Cyclone Dovi: Households without power; trees damage cars; slips, road closures
Wild weather caused havoc across the country - now the clean-up has started.

Big boost for Big Boost - Kiwis flock to get booster job as Omicron surges
The equivalent of one Kiwi city's population got their booster over 28 hours.

Officer bashed, person stabbed at gathering of 'anti-social road users'
Police are calling for witnesses after a 'volatile' early-morning encounter.

Local Focus: Live at Lads for the kids
Lads brewery fundraising for Starship Children's Hospital with live band this Saturday.

Burglary victim told he'd inherited debt from previous owner
"He turned up and said the debt is yours."

Offender turns life around after stealing horse float
Financial strife caused Wayne Maunder to turn to crime but he's since got back on track.

Heavy rain hits North Island - new warnings of more to come
Adding to the humidity, intense rain is forecast for east from Hawke's Bay to Coromandel.

Car crashes into powerpole in Foxton, police attending
Diversions are in place as crews work to restore the powerlines.

PGF-funded marae upgrade project nears completion
A $16 million marae renovation programme is drawing to a close.

Mōkai Pātea negotiators 'intend to be victorious'
Mōkai Pātea people want old wrongs righted and a new future through their claims.

Ngarewa-Packer calls for 'real-time' Omicron updates
'They need to adjust to us.'

Five suffer minor injuries in central Whanganui crash
There were no serious injuries in two-car collision, say police.

'You want good thoughts': The art of tukutuku weaving
Weaving is an experiential way into the richness of Māori culture.

'We are prepared': Whanganui braces for Omicron
There is "plenty of work ahead" as Omicron nears the River City.

Testing surge in Palmerston North, no new Omicron cases today
Jetstar check-In at the capital's domestic airport is the latest location of interest.

Lake Alice Hospital: Accused psychiatrist dies at age 92
He was accused of using electric shocks and paralysing drugs to punish patients.

Whanganui benefit numbers fall in 2021 driven by industry growth
Extra effort put into getting long-term beneficiaries into work, minister says.

Coastguard, public help in rescue after Wanganui River capsize
'Quick and calm rescue' for boat that capsized near Whanganui Port.

Local Focus: City heritage wins cash support
Whanganui's Heritage Grant Fund strategy is helping to spruce up historic sites.

Palmerston North case confirmed as Omicron, no links to Christchurch MIQ
MidCentral DHB are preparing for a surge in testing, and to support people isolating.

Thieves take mementos from graves at Whanganui cemetery
Former mayor's Facebook post aims to warn community of thefts.

Explosion in Castlecliff, Whanganui being investigated
Explosion at commercial property believed to be suspicious.

Covid-19 saliva testing clinic opens in Whanganui
The collaborative is led by Tupoho Social Services with iwi and district council support.

New signs advise caution at Ahimate
Authorities to work together on cautionary and educational measures

Best of summer: Where to find the country's top 10 playgrounds
The finalists have been revealed, but who will you vote for as the country's number one?